Glenn W. Rogers was born June 18, 1931, son of J. Clifford Rogers and Irma H. Rogers and brother to Caroleann. He grew up in Chicago living with either his parents or his grandparents until he was fortunate enough to go to college at Northern Illinois University where he met and married the love of his life, Joan. Even in the midst of the disease, he would see a picture of her and he would sigh and say, "I am going to marry her!" Their early years together were rough, living apart, as Glenn had enlisted in the Army. He eventually was posted in Europe and Joan was able to join him, living in their tiny apartment in Frankfurt, Germany. From this humble beginning, Glenn, with Joan at his side, led a life that touched many people. Glenn was a leader who poured his life into three broad areas, the church, teaching, and his family.

After settling in Wheaton, IL, he and Joan, along with several other young couples, chose to leave the comfortable surroundings of Gary UMC when the bishop sent out a call for people willing to start a new congregation in Wheaton. From its first meeting in homes, then in the Masonic Lodge, and then finally in their new church building along Blanchard Road, Aldersgate UMC became a mission for Glenn. He served in a variety of leadership roles, but really found his niche as the youth leader, affectionately known as "Uncle Glenn" (or simply UG). Whether it was leading the youth, camping with the "church gang," serving on boards, writing as the "Church House Mouse," lay speaking, serving on the district, or travelling as a lay witness, Glenn loved serving the Church. Sharing his life was his way to share God's love.

Glenn's love to serve led him into public service first as a teacher, then as a principal. He spent 4 years teaching in Elmhurst before becoming principal of Oak School in Addison, IL then went on to lead their new Jr. High, Indian Trail, eventually spending 8 years in Addison. He found his home however, at Parkview Elementary in Glen Ellyn's District 89, where he spent 27 years as principal. Glenn loved having a positive influence in children's lives.

This love to influence children wasn't lost on his family. Glenn believed in letting children try things, then after their success or failure, he would review the lessons learned. There was no place better for this than camping. He led his family, almost shore to shore, camping all the way and traveling in a series of station wagons (outfitted with a rooftop box of his own design). With their blue canvas tent as home base, his children were encouraged to explore and make new friends along the way. In later years, Glenn and Joan turned this love of camping to Camp Farthest Out (CFO) as a new opportunity to merge faith, teaching, and family into their lives.

Although travelling on the crew ship to Europe hadn't been an enjoyable experience for Glenn, he didn't let that keep him from travelling with CFO. Whether it was in Indiana or Wisconsin, Asia or Africa, CFO and CFOI led Glenn and Joan to new friends, new experiences, and new places all the time reaching out to others through sharing and serving.

In the last days of Glenn's life he travelled a journey not of his choosing. As his memory began to fail, it became obvious to those who loved him that he had Alzheimer's disease. When Joan could no longer take care of him, they moved to Brighton Gardens, Glenn to memory care and Joan to a wing to be near him. Even in this new journey, Glenn continued to serve and lead. Glenn served by helping the staff when he was still able. However he continued to show his leadership when at one point, he led an escape attempt with some of his fellow patients in tow. Glenn's journey with Alzheimer's ended, May 24, 2015, as he traveled to be with his Lord and Savior.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, and most recently by his sister-in-law Betty Unbehaun, brother-in-law Donald Myers, and great niece Elana Myers. He is survived by his loving wife Joan B. Rogers, sister Caroleann Myers, children Scott (Mary) Rogers, Larry (Tammie) Rogers, and Kathy (Carl) Schreck, grandchildren Cheri (Jim) Dozier, Brian (Michelle) Schreck, Melissa (Joe Harris) Schreck, Laura (Thomas Bohn) Rogers, Tristan (Kristina Walin) Rogers, great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Barb (Al) Feldvebel and many nieces and nephews.

He and Joan were charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and had also attended Gary UMC and St. Thomas UMC. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 30th at 2:00 pm with visitation for 2 hours preceding the service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1753 S Blanchard St., Wheaton, IL 60187.

Memorials are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org/